Karen entered Sydney’s room to find her sitting on the edge of her bed tying the laces on her sneakers.
“Looks like somebody’s ready to get out of here! Everything’s set, all you have to do is sign this,” Karen told her handing her the clipboard.
She cautiously signed her name, her hand shaking with every stroke of the pen.
“Are you all right, Sydney? You look a little on edge?”
“Me? I’m fine, I just want to go.”
“You’re kinda pale, are you feeling any nausea?”
“I said I’m fine.”
“If you insist. Before we go I just need to…”
Sydney put her hand to her mouth and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
“So, you’re fine, huh? Why did you lie to me?”
“I was afraid that if I told you how sick I’m feeling that you wouldn’t let me out.”
“The symptoms you’re feeling are all withdrawal from the Diazapam. It’s perfectly normal and to be honest, you’re going to feel worse before you start feeling better.”
“Oh, I can’t wait…Are you really sure you want to put up with me in this condition?”
“Positive. You’re alone, I’m alone, we can take care of each other, right?”
Sydney half-smiled, but before she could reply, she took off for the bathroom.
Karen followed, crouched down beside her and reassuringly stroked the young girl’s hair.

“Chris, can I talk to you for a minute?” Julie asked approaching him in the hallway.
He turned to face her, but didn’t say a word. She motioned towards the empty linen closet and they stepped inside.
“I’ve decided it’s time to let everyone know that I’m Christina’s mother. I’ve also decided to keep your involvement secret.”
“Why would you do that?” Chris asked, unsure of her motives.
“Because the less ties I have to you the better. I’ll tell everyone that you knew I was really pregnant, but that I let you believe I lost the baby. I delivered Christina when I escaped, but I did it all on my own. I named her after you because I was in love with you and left her with Janelle after paying her off.”
“Wow, you’ve covered all your bases, haven’t you?”
“This will make things easier on the both of us. All ties will be severed and we can go on with our separate lives.”
Julie tried to keep a straight, unaffected face, but Chris could tell how she really felt. He could see the agony hidden in her expression.
“Is that all you wanted to talk about? I should really get started on rounds,” Chris asked, unable to listen to much more.
“That’s all.”
They stepped out and went their separate ways.

“Have I mentioned how horrible I feel? My muscles ache, my head is killing me and I’m really dizzy. Are you sure that this is all worth it?”
“Sydney, you’ll get through this, I promise. I’m going to help you in any way that I can and you’ll have Gail.”
Sydney hugged her and for once in her life, she knew that she had someone that she could count on. Someone who would be there for her and that really cared about her.
“Can we go home please, Karen?”
Karen stood up and helped Sydney off the bed.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay walking? Your strength isn’t all there.”
“I’m okay, I’ll take it slow.”
“While they were waiting for the elevator, Chris snuck up behind them.
“Shouldn’t you be working, Chief?” He whispered in Karen’s ear.
“Chris!” Karen jumped and put her hand to her chest where her heart was furiously pounding , “You scared me.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t think I’d freak you out that badly. So, you’re finally getting out of here, huh?”
“Yeah, I’m going to stay with Karen. Apparently, she’s into taking in strays.”
“She’s an amazing woman,” Chris said, his eyes meeting Karen’s.
“I should probably get Sydney home, she’s really starting to feel those withdrawal symptoms. Maybe if she’s up to visitors, you could stop by tomorrow?”
“Hmm, let’s see, go home to an empty apartment or go visit two beautiful women? It’s a tough choice! I’ll call you before I leave the hospital.”
No longer able to resist the urge to touch her, Chris took her hand just as Scott rounded the corner.
“Get your damn hands off my daughter, Ramsey!”